Please remind me what to do with my beams.

[tom.harrigan]

I'm suffering from renovators fried brain and can't remember where I put my tape measure, let alone what to do with my beams...

I've got about 35m of visible elm(I think) beams - all cleaned, and the soft wood-wormy outer layer wire brushed off where necessary. So, I've got mostly sound beams, but a couple of them could do with the still slightly flaky outer layer being stabilised. If it wasn't for the wormy beams, I'd leave them, but something has to be done to the very old ones.

I'm considering linseed oil (if I can find it)in the hope it will soak in and harden a bit. Any better ideas?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Moo]

I seem to remember a thread about this not too long ago. It might be worth scrolling down for a few pages....

 

[Moo]

Just done a search for Beams, and found one headed Clean Beams in January. I don't know how to post the link, but if I found it you'll certainly be able to do so too.
xx

 

[skier-hughes]

I'm oiling my oak beams, but not usre it's hardened them at all, darkened the old ones a fair bit, but it's a lovely smell

 

[Flyfisher]

I'm suffering from renovators fried brain and can't remember where I put my tape measure,

Yes, what is it about tape measures always disappearing. In lieu of a better memory, my solution was to buy half a dozen on the assumption that I should always find one within easy reach. So much for that assumption! :roll:

 

[skier-hughes]

Snap, although I did find my best one today, but the two orange ones which I thought would stand out like sore thumbs still allude me, even though I thought I kept one in my drawer for emergencies

 

[Jon Maine]

I'm suffering from renovators fried brain and can't remember where I put my tape measure, let alone what to do with my beams...

I've got about 35m of visible elm(I think) beams - all cleaned, and the soft wood-wormy outer layer wire brushed off where necessary. So, I've got mostly sound beams, but a couple of them could do with the still slightly flaky outer layer being stabilised. If it wasn't for the wormy beams, I'd leave them, but something has to be done to the very old ones.

I'm considering linseed oil (if I can find it)in the hope it will soak in and harden a bit. Any better ideas?

Thanks

Tom

Try a product like this http://www.paintz.co.uk/PCwood/woodpetrif.asp , you may find that the oil will not colour it quite the same after it is applied though.

The oil will not bind it that well by itself.

 

[Feltwell]

Snap, although I did find my best one today, but the two orange ones which I thought would stand out like sore thumbs still allude me, even though I thought I kept one in my drawer for emergencies

Someone bought this tape measure as a silly present for my wife's birthday recently:-

The theory being that it would be the one tape measure that she could keep to use herself without me stealing it!

Fat chance - I'm not proud! I could get some funny looks walking around my local Jewsons with that clipped to my belt though....